Solairus Aviation is taking aviation services to new heights
– from the hangar to the runway, our clients satisfaction takes flight.
– from the hangar to the runway, our clients satisfaction takes flight.
Solairus Aviation has set a new standard of excellence in aircraft charter and aviation asset management. Our team comprises a talented group of aviation professionals who are passionately focused on one primary goal: exceeding the expectations of our clients. Delivering more than exceptional charter flight services, and offering more than outstanding asset optimization solutions that truly go above and beyond standard aircraft management, Solairus has set course to redefine truly integrated aviation services.
EXECUTIVES BIOS
Dan Drohan — Chairman and CEODan Drohan, an active Airline Transport rated pilot with more than 6500 flight hours, has been in the aviation industry his entire life. Drohan founded Sunset Aviation Inc. in 1992 with an entrepreneurial drive and business and sales acumen that quickly established the company’s reputation for safety and service. As the primary architect of Sunset’s growth, he oversaw the acquisitions and infrastructure initiatives that catapulted the company – now Solairus Aviation – to the forefront of the aircraft charter and management business. As a result of Drohan’s leadership, Solairus now manages one of the nation’s five largest fleets of well-appointed, late-model aircraft, serving clients both domestically and internationally while boasting one of the industry’s most experienced and respected management teams.
Jake Cartwright — Vice ChairmanIn his position as Solairus Aviation Vice Chairman, highly respected industry veteran Jake Cartwright plays a pivotal role in growing the company’s domestic and international business, tapping a depth of experience in aircraft management that is virtually unmatched in the business aviation industry. Cartwright was previously at TAG Aviation USA, where he served as President and CEO. A former Marine Corps F-4 Phantom pilot who served in Vietnam, he has logged more than 10,000 hours of flight time as a commercial pilot. In 1989, he joined Aviation Methods Inc., where he oversaw flight operations, charter sales and marketing, and new business development. Cartwright became president of TAG Aviation USA in 1998 when the TAG Group acquired Aviation Methods. A graduate of Princeton University, he has served on the Associate Member Advisory Council of the National Business Aviation Association and on the board of the National Air Transportation Association.
John King — PresidentJohn King brings more than 30 years of sales, business and financial management experience in a variety of fields including technology, financial services and investment banking. Prior to his role as President, King played an integral role as CFO of the former Sunset Aviation for 4 years. Additionally, King is a commercial pilot and has been involved with multiple aviation endeavors. King holds a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from the University of San Francisco.
Greg Petersen — Chief Operating OfficerA respected veteran of two decades in the aviation industry, Greg Petersen brings to his role as Solairus COO a thorough grounding and proven expertise in flight operations and business development. Prior to Solairus, Petersen oversaw the operations of Utah’s leading full-service, fixed-base operator, specializing in the sale and acquisition of business aircraft for clients while helping the company achieve the distinction of being named one of Utah’s fastest growing companies for four consecutive years. Petersen began his career in aviation and gained valuable flight and operations experience while serving 14 years in the United States Navy as an F/A-18 pilot and instructor. Petersen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Indiana University.
Tom Benvenuto — Vice President, Flight OperationsA pilot since 1989 and a Gold Seal flight instructor, Tom Benvenuto brings to his position at Solairus an extensive and varied background in commercial aviation, having worked at several internationally recognized airlines flying 737s and other transport category aircraft to destinations across the country. A member of the executive team of Solairus’ predecessor, Sunset Aviation, Benvenuto was the driving force and project leader for achieving the prestigious ARG/US Platinum certification. Benvenuto holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Geography/Climatology from the University of California, Davis.
Rene Cervantes — Vice President, MaintenanceWith over 17 years of experience in Part 91 and 135 operations, Rene Cervantes brings an unwavering focus on safety to his position of vice president, maintenance at Solairus. Before joining Solairus, Cervantes was the director of maintenance for an esteemed high-utilization Part 135 operation with an ARG/US Platinum rating. Cervantes began his aviation maintenance career during a six-year stint in the United States Navy, maintaining jet aircraft aboard a forward deployed aircraft carrier. His awards include the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
Linda Holmes — Vice President, Client ServicesLinda Holmes is a third generation general aviation professional whose family owned the Palo Alto, California airport. Linda's nearly 20-year aviation career started as a corporate pilot before moving on to TAG Aviation where she managed flight coordination and charter sales. Dedicated to clients and aircrews, Linda was instrumental in developing TAG Aviation's Client Services department, an accomplishment she has replicated at Solairus Aviation while serving as the company's Senior Director of Client Services before her promotion to Vice President of her department in 2010. Linda holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in industrial psychology from San Diego State University.
Oliver Wolcott — Vice President, Business DevelopmentOliver Wolcott has extensive experience in sales and business development including 12 years on Wall Street working for Credit Suisse as the head of the Floor Brokerage Unit managing all institutional equity trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Wolcott has also served as a marketing consultant for an online advertising company based in Philadelphia and as the Director of Business Development for a private membership destination club. Prior to being appointed as the Vice President of Business Development at Solairus Aviation, Wolcott spearheaded aggressive sales initiatives and client retention programs at several general aviation firms. Wolcott holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in international relations from Roanoke College.
Craig Zirzow — Senior Director of Charter SalesCraig Zirzow brings an impressive track record over the past 10+ years in sales and business development within the corporate aviation industry. In his position as Senior Director of Charter Sales at Solairus Aviation, he plays an integral role in leading the charter sales team and other key sales initiatives for the company. Over his career, Zirzow has been recognized for his sales leadership in previous positions and was instrumental in successfully building Sunset Aviation’s charter business. Zirzow is a licensed pilot and a graduate of San Jose State University with a Bachelor’s degree in aviation management.
Featured Solairus Pilots:
